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Out-of-pocket costs. In-network. Non-preferred providers. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. ACA. Health Maintenance Organization. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. POS. HDHP. Health Savings Account. Flexible Spending Account. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Dependent coverage. Insurance subsidies.

Baffled? It's understandable. Who understands all this stuff? Certainly not the average entrepreneur. Nor the typical employee. Selecting the appropriate medical coverage for companies – or for households – appears to require it requires advanced expertise in healthcare.

The Healthcare System Isn't Just Complicated, It's Costly

Based on recent research, typical households spends $27,000 annually on medical coverage (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $17,000 for each worker in 2026, an increase of 9.5% compared to 2025.

Now the government is shut down because partisan disputes regarding tax credits which analysts predict could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Will We Truly Examine National Health Insurance?

How soon might we seriously consider universal healthcare coverage here in America? I'm convinced we're getting closer since this situation is unsustainable.

I'm not proposing government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – merely extend to include all citizens. The existing system remains intact. How medical professionals receive payment would change. Believe me, they will adjust.

How Universal Coverage Would Work

Universal healthcare coverage would require payments from both employees and employers. In similar programs, an employee earning moderate income pays about 5.3% to their healthcare. Their employer must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this seem like a lot? Unless you compare that with what the typical US resident spends. I know multiple clients that are routinely paying anywhere from 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. And keep in mind that in comprehensive systems, these contributions also cover retirement benefits, illness coverage, parental benefits and job loss protection along with supporting healthcare facilities. When you add those costs compared with our current spending on retirement programs, job loss coverage and vacation benefits, the gap narrows.

Implementation in the US

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase our Medicare tax deduction, a system already established. It should be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than those earning less. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to much of federal military, technology, welfare services and transportation services, the program could be managed to third-party administrators rather than a government office.

Advantages for Small Businesses

A national health insurance program would be a significant advantage for small businesses like mine. It would put small companies in equal competition with our larger competitors who can afford superior coverage. It would render administration significantly simpler (a payroll deduction remitted like retirement and healthcare taxes, instead of separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would make it easier to plan expenses our yearly costs, rather than going through the complex (and ineffective) process of negotiating with major insurers required annually every year. Because it's simplified, there would exist a better understanding of coverage by our employees – contrasted with the current system where they have to decipher the complexities of existing plans. And there would certainly be reduced responsibility for companies as we no longer have access to our employees' medical records for weighing risks and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as capitalist as possible. However I recognize that public institutions has a significant role in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage for everyone via universal healthcare enhances our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, easier system for entrepreneurs that employ more than half of American employees and fund half of our GDP. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and increase productivity.

Considering Challenges

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Of course there are. Given rising medical expenses we've seen recently, it's evident that current healthcare legislation is not working effectively. I understand that America isn't a small, Scandinavian country where major reforms can be readily adopted. However extending universal Medicare, despite increased taxation that would be incurred, would remain a better and more affordable approach both for controlling healthcare costs and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Need for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must tone down national pride. Our healthcare system isn't exceptional. We rank well below numerous nations in healthcare quality globally, according to major studies. Perhaps a positive aspect amid present circumstances is that we take a hard look at ourselves and agree that big changes need to happen.